Ellen Lubbers

Enjoying Denmark with Ellen Lubbers

Living in Denmark for four months, taking classes at the University of Southern Denmark and working at a lab, junior Biological Sciences major Ellen Lubbers was given the chance to experience an entirely new culture while at the same time, continuing her research.

At OU, Lubbers researches obesity, aging and diabetes and although she wanted to study something similar while in Denmark she did not want to continue the exact same studies.

“So I used different techniques and different ideas and different pathways to study the same phenomenon as I do here,” Lubbers said. “Just there, in worms, here, in mice and humans.”

In addition to carrying out different research techniques, Lubbers was exposed to new cultural ideals. In Denmark the work and school days end at 5 p.m. sharp, and after that time, people don’t do homework or extra work at all. They just take time to relax, something Lubbers said has helped her approach her American life differently.

“It encouraged me to remember to have time to relax,” Lubbers said.

At the universities in Denmark, everyone is referred to by their first name, including professors and the head of the university, Lubbers said.

“They think that everyone is on an even playing field, professors, students, researchers, everyone,” said Lubbers.

Her experiences in Denmark will not be soon forgotten, and aspects of the trip have stayed with Lubbers as she continues her studies at Ohio University.

“Academically it kind of broadened my views,” Lubbers said “Studying there really helped me to look at the applications of what I’m doing.”